A review by jcinf
Outlawed by Anna North

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

Such a fun book. Action packed, but also sad. Commentary on the treatment of women, black people, and LGBTQ people in history — with a particular focus on the hardships of being an infertile woman. 

I love that it takes the narrative of oppression and twists it into one of empowerment. I love the angle of “chosen family” being set in the desert, segregated from society both by choice and by necessity. I love the idea of “outlaws” and “outcasts” being one in the same. Because outcasts are viewed as outlaws — as scapegoats to make them criminals. 

The characters are easy to love. The book is the perfect length. 

I love the subtle inclusion of queer characters. From trans to gay to bisexual. And yet this is mentioned without it being a big deal. There are no big moments of “coming out.” It’s just matter-of-fact. 

I give books 5 stars based on how memorable it is for me. So time will tell if I come back and change my rating to a 5. 
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